Lingual Crossbites and Buccal Crossbites
Lingual and buccal crossbites are names that show how the teeth are not lined up compared to the tongue and cheeks. Knowing these names can help you talk about your dental condition with your orthodontist.
In a lingual crossbite, the upper teeth lean towards the tongue. This type of crossbite is common and can impact one tooth, a few teeth, or even one side of the mouth. A buccal crossbite is not as common. It happens when the upper teeth lean out toward the cheek, biting outside the lower teeth.
The treatment for lingual and buccal crossbites can be different. It depends on how serious the misalignment is and which teeth are affected. Orthodontic devices like braces, expanders, or clear aligners can help move the teeth into the right place over time.
Identifying Crossbite: Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing the
signs of a crossbite early can help prevent serious dental problems in the future. Some crossbites are easy to see, but others may be harder to spot. A professional dental evaluation can be beneficial.
Watch for signs like your upper front teeth biting behind your lower teeth. You should also notice if your back teeth do not meet properly when you bite. Other signs include trouble chewing, frequently biting your cheek or tongue, and speech issues like lisping. Less obvious signs can be jaw pain, headaches, and mouth breathing, which happens when you can't fully close your mouth.
Common Symptoms in Children and Adults
Both kids and adults can show signs of a crossbite, but there are some differences. Children with a crossbite may find it hard to chew and bite, which can cause messy eating habits. They can also have speech issues, especially with sounds that use the front teeth. Mouth breathing is another common sign, often with snoring and restless sleep.
Adults with a crossbite are more likely to feel jaw pain, jaw problems, and headaches. This happens because of the extra strain on their jaw muscles and the jaw joint (TMJ). They might also struggle to bite and chew some foods, which can cause digestive problems. A misaligned bite can also wear down teeth faster, leading to more dental problems.
For both kids and adults, finding a crossbite early is very important. If you see signs of a misaligned bite or have any pain, you should see a dentist for the right diagnosis and treatment.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Some small crossbites may not need quick action, but it's good to get professional advice. A skilled dentist or orthodontist, like what we have here at Club 32 Dentistry, can check how bad the crossbite is and suggest the best steps to take.
It is important to intervene early, especially in children. It’s easier to fix a crossbite while the jaw is still growing. Many dental insurance plans cover some costs of orthodontic treatment. This makes fixing crossbites early more affordable.
Don't wait for your child to feel pain or to have speech issues. Having
regular dental check-ups and dealing with any worries quickly can stop small misalignments from turning into bigger dental problems.
Are you concerned about the impact of crossbite on your oral health and appearance?
Club 32 Dentistry, a leading dental clinic in New Jersey, offers comprehensive orthodontic and dental services to address crossbite and other dental issues. Our experienced dentists can assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable treatment plan, whether it's braces, aligners, or other corrective measures.
Schedule a consultation today and discover how Club 32 Dentistry can help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
Why Did I Develop a Crossbite?
Crossbites can happen because of both genes and the environment. If you have family members with crossbites, you might be more likely to get one too. Sometimes, the size and shape of your jaw are traits you inherit, which can lead to a crossbite.
Besides genetic factors and genetics, other factors in your environment can cause crossbites as well. For instance, if a child sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier too long, it can push the front teeth out of line. Tongue-thrusting is another habit where the tongue presses against the teeth when swallowing. This can also affect how the teeth sit.
Genetic Influences and Hereditary Factors
Genetics are important in how a crossbite develops. If people in your family have misaligned bites, you might also get the jaw shape or tooth position that causes this issue.
Sometimes, the problem is the size of the upper and lower jaws. If the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw, this can cause an anterior crossbite (underbite). On the other hand, if the upper jaw is smaller, it can lead to a posterior crossbite.
We can't change our genetic risks, but knowing how these traits are passed down can help us act early. If you see crossbites in your family, setting up regular dental visits for your child can help catch and treat the condition quickly.
Environmental and Behavioral Contributors
Genetics plays a role, but other factors from the environment and behavior can greatly affect the development of a crossbite. These things usually happen during childhood when baby teeth fall out of adult teeth and the jaw is still growing.
One major factor is long-term thumb-sucking or using a pacifier. The constant sucking pressure can push the upper front teeth forward, leading to an anterior crossbite. Tongue-thrusting is another habit where the tongue presses against the teeth while swallowing. This can also cause misaligned teeth.
Early intervention is key to dealing with these habits. By stopping long-sucking habits and correcting tongue-thrusting with speech therapy, parents can help reduce the chance of their child having a crossbite.
How Can You Fix a Crossbite? Effective Treatments
Fortunately, there are several good treatments to fix crossbites. These range from orthodontic treatments to surgery in some cases. The best choice depends on factors like the severity of the crossbite, the age of the patient, and what caused the misalignment.
Orthodontic treatment is usually the main focus. It uses tools like braces,
clear aligners (Invisalign), and palatal expanders. These help move the teeth and jaws into the right place over time. Palatal expanders are especially helpful for kids. They can widen the upper jaw and make room for the teeth to align properly.
Orthodontic Solutions: Braces and Aligners
Orthodontic treatment mainly uses braces or clear aligners to fix crossbites. Traditional braces have brackets that attach to your teeth and connect with wires. They apply gentle pressure to move your teeth into the right spots.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, provide a less noticeable option. These are custom-made trays that fit over your teeth. You can take them out, and you change them every few weeks as your teeth slowly move.
Here are the benefits of each option:
- Traditional Braces: They work well for complex issues, are usually less expensive, and have a proven success rate.
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign): They look discreet, can be removed for meals and cleaning, and feel comfortable to use.
Your orthodontist will help you choose the best option based on your crossbite and your preferences.
Surgical Options for Severe Cases
While orthodontic treatment effectively addresses most crossbites, severe cases, particularly those stemming from significant jaw discrepancies, might require surgical intervention. Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, involves repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to achieve proper alignment.
Jaw surgery is typically recommended when the crossbite is skeletal in nature, meaning the jaw bones themselves are misaligned. This procedure not only corrects the bite but also improves facial harmony and can alleviate associated issues like jaw pain and sleep apnea.
Here's a simplified overview:
